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More women are becoming pregnant later in life. With age comes the greater chance of health issues, including eye diseases. Today, ophthalmologists are treating a large number of women who have glaucoma while pregnant. Many patients with congenital, pediatric or juvenile-onset glaucoma become adults wishing to start a family. The challenge in treating this group is balancing the risk to the mother’s vision against the potential for harm to the fetus. It is very important for ophthalmologists to manage these risks and to understand the needs of these patients.

Eyelid surgery is a regular method of dealing with entropion (inward turning of the eyelid), ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid), ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), and some eyelid tumors. As we mature, the fragile skin around the eyes may appear puffy, saggy, or droopy. Eyelid skin stretches, the muscles weaken, and the normal deposits of protective fat around the eye settle and become more prominent. This process can make your eyes feel tired and irritated. The surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid tissues is called blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. The surgery can be performed for either cosmetic or functional reasons. When blepharoplasty is performed to improve vision rather than for cosmetic purposes only, the cost may be covered by a health insurance plan. Some potential complications associated with eyelid surgery include bleeding and swelling, infection and dry eyes to name a few. Visit one of our 8 locations including Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral.

In recent years, evidence to support the use of alternative methods for delivering antibiotics and steroids the eye after cataract surgery has grown, while the need for added coverage with prescription eye drops has increasingly been questioned. Dropless cataract surgery delivers the drugs into the anterior vitreous after the posterior chamber IOL has been implanted in the capsular bag. This combination antibiotic- anti-inflammatory formulation is considered safe and eliminates the need for patients to use expensive eye drops after cataract surgery. This also helps assure compliance and convenience for the surgery patient. It is also less confusing for patients who tend to have a hard time remembering the drop schedule that tends to follow cataract surgery. Having to use eye drops can be a tremendous barrier for a patient, especially to those that do not have a support system. Visit one of our 8 locations including Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral.

he team behind a smartphone lens adapter and app—which allows users to conduct extensive eye exams on patients—has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the new invention, according to Mashable.The eye exam kit, called Peek Retina, was created by a team of eye-care professionals (ECP), software developers, and product designers, and aims to increase access to high-quality eye care around the world, Mashable reported. The kit was developed through collaboration between the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Strathclyde, and the NHS Glasgow Centre for Ophthalmic Research. according to Mashable, the adapter is clipped over the camera of a smartphone to allow health workers to see inside the eye and capture high-quality images, which can then be sent to physicians for diagnosis. “It removes the need for traditional ophthalmoscopes and bulky cameras, enabling examinations in any part of the world.

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove skin and to add or remove fat from the eyelids. Upper eyelid excess skin can create a heavy looking eyelid and block vision. Only surgery can help restore vision. The term “eyelift” is a misconception because they eyelid is not lifted during surgery. Upper blepharoplasty surgery uses incisions on the skin to allow for removal of skin and fat. A thin stitch is then used to bring the skin together to allow for a creation of an eyelid crease. Lower eyelid surgery may involve skin incisions directly below the lash line or an incision on the inside of the eyelid. Sometimes tightening the eyelid is needed to correct droopiness or sagging. As with any surgery, there are potential risks of having blepharoplasty. Risks may include infection, bleeding, scarring, dry eyes, double vision or loss of vision. Individuals with realistic expectations who are in good health are suitable candidates for eyelid surgery.

Double vision is the observation of two images of a single object seen adjacent to each other, or overlapping. The medical term for double vision is diplopia. Polyplopia is the perception of three or more images of a single object. There are several causes of double vision, therefore it is important for your eye doctor to carefully review your history and examination to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. A thorough evaluation of double vision begins with a detailed history of the diplopia; including with it was a gradual or sudden onset. Duration, frequency and noting any associated symptoms also should be noted during the evaluation.

According to the National Eye Institute, 7.7 million people age 40 and older have been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. This number is projected to increase to 11 million in the next 15 years. Diabetes affects more than 29 million people in the United States, which is almost 10 percent of the population. In addition, more than one out of three individuals has pre diabetes, a condition that puts people at and increased risk for developing diabetes. All patients with diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. All diabetic patients should have a dilated eye exam at least once per year to detect vision problems early.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the chief cause of blindness for people ages 55 and older in the United States. A rising number of data suggest that nutritional intake of antioxidants- including lutein , zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids- may help decrease the risk of AMD and help improve vision. Eye health professionals can play an important role in educating patients about the power of nutrition. Since the body is unable to produce these antioxidants , lutein and zeaxanthin must come from dietary intake or from a form of supplements. Some studies suggest that participants who took the AREDS formulation with lutein and zeaxanthin had an 18 percent reduced risk of developing advanced AMD over a 5 year study, and participants who had low levels and intake before the study began were 25 percent less likely to develop advanced AMD compared to participants with similar dietary intake who were not taking lutein and zeaxanthin supplements.

Opthalmic imaging has played an important role as an addition to a patients ophthalmic examination. Imaging has become a critical component of a comprehensive exam due to new technology and treatment options. Fundus photography, optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence results are commonly used as a basis for treatment plans in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Opthalmic personnel with imaging skills are increasingly in demand and learning these skills can expand your role as a valued member of any eye care team. In addition to the useful and technical aspects of imaging, good assessment and communication skills can also lead to better image quality. Blinking, focusing and overexposure all can be factors in obtaining clear and accurate photos. Learning to judge the images on the capture monitor can help discover any artifacts or problems.

Pseudophakic CME typically happens two to twelve weeks following cataract surgery, although in rare cases it may present months afterwards. The peak incidence of visually important CME is four to six weeks after cataract surgery. Two patient populations at particular high risk for developing postoperative CME are those with a history of uveitis or uncontrolled diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Postoperative rates of CME in patients with uveitis, even when controlled preoperatively, can be larger than thirty-five percent. CME in patients with diabetes, especially those with preexisting DR and DME, has been reported to be as high as fifty-five percent. Once you have established a diagnosis of pseudophakic CME, appropriate management hinges on identifying an underlying cause, if any. Pseudophakic CME is a main cause of decreased visual acuity following uncomplicated cataract surgery and can be the source of significant patient morbidity.